Motorized Infantry Brigade "Griffin"

Given the necessity to strengthen Lithuania's defence capabilities, on 1 January 2016 a new unit was set up in the Lithuanian Land Forces, namely, the Motorised Infantry Brigade "Samogitia" (Unoficially called "Griffin"). The second brigade of the Lithuanian Land Forces was established by decision of the Seimas, following the proposal of the State Defence Council. Headquarters of the new brigade is located in Klaipėda. The following battalions of the Land Forces have been attached to the brigade: the Lithuanian Grand Duke Butigeidis Dragoon Battalion (in Klaipėda) and the Lithuanian Grand Duke Kęstutis Mechanised Infrantry Batallion (in Tauragė district).

In 2016, Brigade Samogitia was supplemented with staff and communications companies which are directly subordinate to its headquarters, and in 2017, two new companies were set up, namely, an intelligence company and a supply company. In 2017, one more battalion which is subordinate to the Brigade was established, namely, the Brigadier General Motiejus Pečiulionis Artillery Battalion which is found in Klaipėda.

On 17 August 2017, the Brigade Samogitia was awarded a military flag. The obverse of the flag depicts Vytis (an armoured knight) on a red field in the centre. The centre of the reverse of the flag depicts the figure of the service sign of the Motorised Infantry Brigade Samogitia, namely, a griffon on a green field. A griffon is a legendary creature with the body of a lion, wings, head and clutches of an eagle to symbolise the characteristic features of an eagle - vigilance and alertness, and the features of a lion - courage, power and pride. On the right side of the flag a silver sword in the clutches of the griffon can be seen; meanwhile, on the left side, there is a red shield on which a black bear is depicted.

The main task of the newly established unit is to set up a Motorised Infantry Brigade and to prepare it for the performance of defensive or limited-scope offensive tasks, protection and defence of territorial land by the year 2019.

The basis of the Brigade is constituted by servicemen of the compulsory military service. Managing and higher qualification personnel, namely, soldiers, sergeants, NCOs and officers, are appointed from the professional military service.